LA Fellows Champion Sue Carleo Recognized as a Champion of Education

The Valley Economic Alliance held its 14th annual Steve Allen Excellence in Education awards ceremony at Valley Presbyterian Hospital in Van Nuys on Monday, May 19th. The awards, named after longtime Valley resident and legendary entertainer Steve Allen, salute the national achievements of local schools and people.

“When you see these outstanding examples of success, it’s really heartwarming,” Alliance officer David Fleming said.

This year’s Champion of Education Award went to former Los Angeles Valley College President Sue Carleo. During her five-year tenure, Carleo helped strengthen communication between school officials and community members. She retired last year.

Dr. Carleo was instrumental in making the connection between the problems of rising unemployment and the crisis of decreased resources in the nonprofit sector and how placing skilled, unemployed professionals in meaningful roles of volunteerism could work to solve both issues. It was largely through her vision that the LA Fellows program was born, and through her guidance and care that it has flourished and grown into the sucess it is today.

“Education is the way to pass on the best values of the present to our future generations,” Carleo said as she received the award from the Alliance. “I wish you all the best as you continue this good work, and I am proud to have been part of it.”